PARMA, Ohio — Another Northeast Ohio political leader has pledged support to Ukraine amid the violence that has come as a result of Russia's recent invasion.
On Friday, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter released a joint statement with Global Cleveland. "From Kiev, Ukraine to Parma, Ohio - We Stand United" follows the joint statement that Global Cleveland put out with Cleveland and Cuyahoga County on Thursday.
"Northeast Ohio is home to an extensive Ukranian community, the largest of which resides in Parma, Ohio," according to Friday's statement. "Global Cleveland will work with Mayor Timothy DeGeeter and all our civic, philanthropic, corporate, and faith based partners to ensure the safety and refuge of our families in Ukraine, in Parma, and throughout out county."
Parma has been the epicenter of the local response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, hundreds filled Pokrova Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church for a prayer and meeting called "Cleveland for Ukraine." A similar service was held at Parma's Saint Josaphat Cathedral.
Both of Ohio's U.S. Senators, Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman, issued statements condemning Russia's aggression, as did all members of Northeast Ohio's congressional delegation and Gov. Mike DeWine.
In addition, the United Way of Greater Cleveland has also pledged its support of Ukraine. ”United Way of Greater Cleveland condemns this week’s unprovoked and brutal attack on the citizens of Ukraine. We stand by the Ukrainian people both here and abroad and we pray for a swift resolution to end these unnecessary and ongoing acts of violence inflicted against Ukrainians," wrote WWGC President and CEO Augie Napoli.
You can read the entire statement from Global Cleveland and the city of Parma below:
Previous Reporting:
- Cleveland woman worried about her family in Ukraine as Russian invasion continues
- Cleveland for Ukraine: Prayers and pleas for Ukraine at Pokrova Parish in Parma as Russian invasion continues
- How will Russia's invasion of Ukraine affect your wallet?
- How we got here: The history between Russia and Ukraine
- Ohio politicians react to Russian invasion of Ukraine
- 'We feel helpless': Northeast Ohioans from Ukraine express shock and worry as Russia invades country